Washington State is comprised of nine Homeland Security regions.  Cowlitz County falls into Region IV, which also includes Wahkiakum, Skamania and Clark Counties.  The regions receive federal funding for Homeland Security measures, which were developed following 9/11.  The federal funding received comes in the form of grants that provide emergency responders with additional equipment, training and awareness activities.  Emergency responder agencies include fire, law enforcement, hazardous materials crews, emergency medical services, public health, hospitals, public works and communications.

The Department of Homeland Security has set the following seven strategic goals for all regions to follow:

Awareness -- Identify and understand threats, assess vulnerabilities, determine potential impacts and disseminate timely information to our homeland security partners and the American public.

Prevention — Detect, deter and mitigate threats to our homeland.

Protection — Safeguard our people and their freedoms, critical infrastructure, property and the economy of our Nation from acts of terrorism, natural disasters, or other emergencies.

Response — Lead, manage and coordinate the national response to acts of terrorism, natural disasters, or other emergencies.

Recovery — Lead national, state, local and private sector efforts to restore services and rebuild communities after acts of terrorism, natural disasters, or other emergencies.

Service — Serve the public effectively by facilitating lawful trade, travel and immigration.

Organizational Excellence — Value our most important resource, our people. Create a culture that promotes a common identity, innovation, mutual respect, accountability and teamwork to achieve efficiencies, effectiveness, and operational synergies.

Links

http://emd.wa.gov/  Washington State Emergency Management Division

http://www.dhs.gov/  Department of Homeland Security

http://www.cresa911.org/reg4.htm  CRESA (Clark County) website